Biz Beat 9-11-2014

About $24 million in federal funding for the West Eugene EmX project passed the Metropolitan Policy Committee unanimously last week, according to Rob Zako, executive director of Better Eugene-Springfield Transit (BEST). “We are looking forward to work proceeding efficiently with minimal impacts, and to seeing the new EmX line open in just over two years,” he says. BEST has been holding “listening sessions” with the community over recent months and plans to release a report next month. An online survey is at best-oregon.org.

In related news, the Oregon Transportation Commission has approved 36 multimodal projects around the state and Lane Transit District will get $3.5 million for its projects. Two new bike/pedestrian bridges will be constructed over Amazon Creek as part of the EmX expansion. One will be at Buck Street and the other near Sam Reynolds Street. A third bike/pedestrian bridge is planned to connect Commerce Street to the Fern Ridge Path. The projects are designed to make it easier for residents to safely access businesses and transportation along West 11th Ave. See ltd.org for more information.

The nonprofit Serenity Lane broke ground Sept. 10 on a new $27 million campus on Industrial Way in Coburg. The 15-acre alcohol and drug addiction treatment facility will be built by Chambers Construction and will double the capacity for treatment. Construction is expected to be completed by spring of 2016. The current campus at 16th and Patterson will be sold to help finance the new campus. Donations are also being sought for additional buildings and a fitness center. See serenitylane.org.

Select Aspen Dental offices in Oregon will volunteer their time and talents for a free “day of service” Saturday, Sept. 13, for those in need in the community. Patients must make advance appointments by calling (844) 234-9033 and appointment times are limited. Dentists will focus on treating the most urgent dental needs such as fillings, extractions, x-rays or basic denture repairs. The Eugene clinic is at 1055 Valley River Way.

The People’s Wellness Center is expanding to become a “full health services” facility, according to owner Bill Whitlock. “We understand both natural and alternative medicines have value, why keep them apart,” he says in an email this week. The center serves as a dispensary for the Oregon Medical Marijuana community and is now adding a chiropractor, masseuse, nutritionist and herbalist, along with Coma Treats, providing expertise and classes on “medible” candy and other products. Classes on cannabis and its benefits are being held 1 pm Saturdays. Call 505-8100 for reservations.

The Lane Small Business Development Center is hosting an “open door event” from 1 to 8 pm Tuesday, Sept. 16, on the third floor of the LCC downtown campus. The offices will be open for individuals and business owners to drop in and visitors can meet for brief one-on-one sessions with Gary Smith of the Small Business Management program and Frank Plaisted of the New Product Development program. Center staff will be on hand to offer information about services. Light refreshments will be available.

A Harvest Festival is planned all day Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Fern Ridge Service Center at 2nd and Broadway in Veneta, beginning with a fundraising pancake breakfast from 8 to 10 am. Festivities will include vendor booths, live music, a kid zone, chili cook-off, a pie baking contest and more. Contact Lois at 935-4555.

The Nobel Peace Laureate Project has nearly completed its Peace Park near the main entrance to Alton Baker Park. The Peace Park is the first effort to honor as a group the 24 U.S. winners of the Nobel Peace Prize. “Some are not even honored in their own hometowns,” says John C. Attig, past president and founder of the nonprofit, in an email. “Community group visits and school field trips especially will be welcomed. While many Americans can name five American generals, far fewer can name five American Peace Laureates.” Email jnhattig@efn.org or visit nobelpeacelaureates.org.